Update: Solon Can Pack Hidden Gun

A legislator whose concealed weapons permit was revoked for lying about a long-ago rape case can still legally carry hidden guns – because Idaho is the only state that exempts elected officials from the permit law. The case of state Rep. Mark Patterson, R-Boise, is bringing new attention to the 1990 Idaho law providing the exemptions, and some Idaho lawmakers say it’s time for a change. “I have a philosophy that those of us in public office should be under the same laws as the general public,” said state Rep. Frank Henderson, R-Post Falls. Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene, said, “I think the message it sends is that elected officials get perks. And when it comes to the 2nd Amendment, I think that’s particularly disturbing, because essentially, it’s saying we should have more ability to protect ourselves than the average citizen”/Betsy Russell, Eye on Boise. More here.

Patterson described himself as a "Constitutional Republican" on his Facebook page for his successful 2012 run for the Idaho Legislature.